Regattas for Classic Dragons

[Webmaster]

Eagle-eyed students of the fixtures and results page on the IDA website will by now have noticed that there is a new section at the end for regattas specifically for classic Dragons. We hope to expand the list as more information is forthcoming from National Associations..

It is, of course, true that all Dragon regattas are open to classic Dragons. However, with the exception of a few, very well-known boats, most classics do struggle to be truly competitive with new boats. This is hardly surprising given their age and the fact that many of them have owners who enjoy the uniqueness of an older wooden boat but cannot afford the expense required to compete at the top level. Indeed much of the time the boats may be used for altogether more leisurely pursuits than racing.

We don’t know whether a classic circuit will actually develop. However, we do hope that the extra publicity for these events will enable aficionados of classic Dragons to get together more easily and enjoy themselves. The IDA is, of course, very happy to facilitate this as far as it can.


Patrick Gifford, IDA Classic Boat Co-ordinator.

[swissdragon]

Dear Patrick

After having organised a classic race in Ascona 2009 (see details http://www.dragon-class.ch News/Archive)
Switzerland is planning a second classic event in 2012, which will take place beginning August at the Thunersee Yachtclub, Lake Thun
Details to follow asap
With kind regards
Dieter Schmid
President Swiss Dragon Association
[email protected]
http://www.dragon-class.ch

[Mickey Lake]

This is a fantastic development and I hope that it continues to grow. Thanks to the IDA and to Patrick for facilitating this and encouraging racing in classic Dragons.

Mickey Lake
AIDA National Secretary

[Rene Brozius]

Every 2 years there's the Dutch Classic Yacht Regatta held at Hellevoetsluis (NL). This year 4 dragons participated in this regatta, with good results: 1st, 2nd and 5th place in their class (classes are based on a specific DCYR rating).

For 2017 the DCYR commitee has the ambition to increase to number of paricipating Dragons to 15-20 boats.
To achieve this there will be a separate Dragon class to the existing 5 classes, and an old Dragon trophee will be reinstalled: an antique 3 ft long halfmodel of a Dragon.

Rene Brozius